It was over a year ago that F. Javier Gutiérrez signed on to direct the remake of the James O’Barr comic The Crow for Dimension Films and since then updates on the film have been virtually non-existent. Today, Bloody-Disgusting is reporting that X-Men: First Class star James McAvoy is in talks to join the film as its protagonist Eric Draven. Bradley Cooper was up for the role when the film was being helmed by 28 Weeks Later director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and other actors that almost landed the part include Mark Wahlberg and Channing Tatum.

The Crow adaptation will be a gritty reboot of the iconic character Eric Draven, who returns from the grave as The Crow on a mission to avenge his wife’s murder, so that his soul can finally rest. The original film is known for its breakthrough visual style as well as its unique production design and cinematography. The project is currently in development; start of production, targeted release dates and casting to be announced.

The film is being produced by Edward R. Pressman, Jeff Most and Relativity’s CEO Ryan Kavanaugh. Relativity’s Tooley (Immortals), The Weinstein Company’s Harvey and Bob Weinstein and Farah Films’ Dan Farah (Armored) will serve as executive producers.